Private Tour
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
During the Gjirokaster Full-Day Tour from Tirana, you will have the chance to see the UNESCO heritage city in detail. You will be picked-up from your hotel in Tirana by our guide. Once in Gjirokaster, you will see the highlights of the city, including the Gjirokaster Castle, the Old Bazaar Market, the Cold War Tunnel & the Museum of Weapons. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit Zekate house or Skenduli house to get a unique insight into a traditional Ottoman-style house. Gjirokaster is one of the most beautiful historical towns on Albania, and you will have a full-day tour to explore its highlights. You tour guide can customize the program to meet your interests.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Private tour guide in Gjirokaster
Entrance fees to the museums described in the itinerary
Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
Private transport with a/c vehicle
Lunch
Gratuities
Select a pickup point
Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is a historical city, which is on the UNESCO heritage list. Walking through Gjirokaster gives you an insight into what the city was like during the Turkish Ottoman Empire. The city has typical stone houses and cobble stone streets. Therefore, Gjirokaster is also knows as the "stone city". The city of Gjirokaster is known in Albania as a "museum city", because it has beautiful historical buildings everywhere. It is a lovely city to stroll through.
Gjirokaster Castle
The Gjirokaster Castle is a large fortress on the top of a hill in the city. The fortress has a spectacular view of the historical city and the traditional stone houses of Gjirokaster. It is one of the biggest hilltop castles in the Balkans and it dominates the city. The castle was originally build in the 12th century by the local Byzantine government. But it was renovated and additions were made during the Ottoman empire and the government of King Zog. From the 1930 onward, it was mainly used as a prison for people who were resistant against the government.
Pickup included
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Elaine W,
Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We took 2 tours with this company, both full-day experiences, this one which was 12 hours long, and a second one to Apollonia and Berat for 10.5h. First off, we wanted to relax, rather than have the stress of figuring it out all for ourselves. Jack and Manon do this perfectly! I found their tours online, loved their intinararies, but wasn't sure whether they could pick us up from our hotel in Durres or which tours were best to pick for our interests. I contacted them to ask, and Manon got back to me quickly with great insight and said of course they could pick us up from Durres. Their English is excellent, so no issues there! Our guide was Jack for both days, and he's the best guide to have for such long tours! As another reviwer said, he's very non-taxing company - which sounds odd, so to explain: he's a very kind and relaxing presence that puts you at ease. There was a lot to see and do in each tour, but it never felt rushed with Jack. He guided us through with placid efficiency and well-placed insight. He made sure we got to see everything smoothly and in good time - I'm not sure how much work that takes behind the scenes, because Jack is so good at doing it it looked effortless! He's truly a master at giving the tour that fits the time available, giving information without being at all overbearing or intrusive, while still being sensitive to our needs, ensuring we got chances to stretch our legs during long car rides, stock up on water, find toilets, etc. Both tours required long drives, which, being tired from jumping from city to city with jet lag, we largely slept through - which was a nice way to rest between stops. Jack let us sleep, and it was easy to feel at ease in the car with him! It's a comfortable car with good leg room for tall people, and Jack is a very safe driver! Girokaster is an awesome city! Both my husband and I think we prefer it to Berat, though only by a bit. The wealthy Ottoman family's house was a great visit, and the Cold War bunker was another hilight! The restaurant Jack recommended was a great pick, offering excellent traditional food - very glad we didn't miss out! All in all, we're very glad we took this tour and are very appreciative of the work Jack and Manon do!
Operated by Albania Tour Guide